Don began his Rotary experience as a Group Study Exchange team member to South Africa in 1995. Following the exchange to South Africa, he coordinated with local Rotary clubs an exchange that enabled 2 professionals from South Africa that were both non-ambulatory to experience a 2 week vocational awareness in Maryland. He continues to serve actively on the GSE program and has served as an Area 6 chair.

He has served as executive director of Dove Pointe, a human service organization providing educational, vocational and residential services to children and adults with disabilities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for 35 years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, Md. and his Master of Education from Salisbury University, Salisbury, Md. He has completed graduate work certificating him in public school administration, supervision and superintendent. He is the recipient of the North Dorchester Chamber of Commerce Citizenship Award, the Wicomico ARC Professional of the Year Award, the Cambridge Jaycees Outstanding Educator Award and past president of the Dorchester Educators and the Maryland Association of Community Service providers.

Jim’s Rotary career began in June, 1990 as a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of North East, Maryland, serving as the club’s first Secretary, Treasurer for 1991-92 and as Club President for 1992-93, repeating as Club President for 2005-06 and currently serving as Treasurer.  Jim has been Assistant Governor for Area 20 since 2009, and is currently District 7630 Governor Nominee for Rotary year 2012 – 2013.  He is a Paul Harris Fellow and continues as a Sustaining Member.

 After working as a Senior Municipal Management Consultant for the New York State Department of State in Albany, He moved back to Cecil County, Maryland in 1980 to serve as Town Administrator of Perryville, MD. holding that position until 1986, then  accepting a position in Havre de Grace, MD as their Director of Economic Development.

 In 1989 Jim made the move to the private sector by obtaining a license in Property, Casualty and Life insurance.  He earned his Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 1991 and purchased his own insurance agency in 1992.  After more than doubling the size of Upper Bay Insurance Services, it merged with Crother’s Insurance Agencies, Inc. in 1998, where he remains today working out of the North East, MD office.